Monthly Archives: August 2014
RIP Robin Williams
Yesterday, the world stopped laughing.
Checking my Twitter feed last night around 7:30 p.m., The Hollywood Reporter headline read, “Breaking: Robin Williams dies of suspected suicide.” Learning this shocking news for the first time was a moment of pure disbelief. How? Why? Tragically, the only answer that could be given was that it happened. While his personal struggles were not a tightly-kept secret, it doesn’t make this situation any easier. From his elaborate stand-up to wild and hilarious improvising on late night television to his family-oriented classics to his more serious roles in an academic setting to his relentless creative energy, Robin Williams was an icon and a fan favorite of people from multiple generations.
He was one-of-a-kind.
His talent helped define stand-up comedy, improvisation and molded countless childhoods. The following video clip is certainly not enough to fully remember Robin Williams, but it’s a start.
Rest in Peace Robin Williams.
Happy Shark Week!
In honor of The Discovery Channel’s annual phenomenon known as “Shark Week,” today’s post will (of course) feature a shark-related video. Is it the teeth? The fins? The terrifying mystery of whether a shark is swimming beneath or around you in the ocean? Is it pure curiosity stemming from watching a movie by this guy named Steven Spielberg that practically scared everybody from swimming at beaches in the summertime?
Whatever the reason for tuning in is, it’s a fascinating time of year to safely observe and learn something new about the most feared (and possibly admired) predators in our oceans.
Take a Real Bite Out of This Week!
The Art of the “Cowabunga”
The day has finally arrived: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles premieres to audiences nationwide tonight!
The first live-action movie since the ’90s featuring the fighting ninja turtles was produced by Transformers guru Michael Bay. That means a few things: big, continuous action sequences, attractive female leads, special effects around every corner and a fair amount of destruction.
Will this creative style sync with the legacy of the Turtles?
We will literally have to wait and see. Fortunately, that can start as early as today.
In getting excited to watch the 21st century adaptation of this franchise, it’s important to remember where this story has been through the years. Specifically, the soundtrack…
“Go ninja, go ninja, go!”
Lost in Translation
MLS All-Stars 2 Bayern Munich 1
The Jekyll and Hyde dynamic of the MLS All-Star game can be tricky to define and prepare for as a result. On the one hand foot, both coaches and teams are under the presumed assumption that the game will be more entertaining than competitive. It’s a reward of sorts for both squads. Tactics will be utilized, but to a suspended degree. And on the other foot, fans want to see their money’s worth. Consequently, this requires efforts of players be exhausted that would simulate a crucial playoff match in some circumstances.
Enter Bayern Munich into Portland, Oregon.
The first team for Bayern Munich did not even begin to take shape on the pitch until very late in the game (~ the 80′). The players from Germany and the Netherland’s World Cup squads flew in special for this event yesterday afternoon. For the most part, it was Bayern’s second team battling the MLS All-Stars (underscore the word “battle”). Things got tense on the field and on the coaching sideline when the best of MLS took some hard challenges on Pep’s Boys (my nickname). It appeared to violate “a gentleman’s agreement” before the match began, particularly in the mind of Pep Guardiola. This led to a refusal of Pep to shake hands with Caleb Porter, along with a stern talking to the officials after the final whistle blew. It should be noted that it’s the middle of the season for MLS and preseason for Bayern Munich.
Who is right and who is wrong?
It depends on what the agreed upon protocol was for getting Bayern Munich to play in this game and what was said before the game began for what the overall tone of the game would be. One thing for certain is that European clubs should be fairly aware now that the MLS All-Star game is less of a celebration of the two sides and more of an opportunity for the best of MLS to showcase its talents and compete against the best clubs and players in the world. It’s a friendly only until the MLS All-Stars have a chance to score a goal or be competitive.
Regardless of whose side you are on (if you are at all), that’s a very ambiguous situation to prepare for in terms of what players you start, tactics you employ and level of intensity you ask of your players for either the full 90 minutes or just 20 minutes here and there.
In a genuine effort to play peacemaker, Jimmy’s Daily Planet has a suggestion to (at least partly) alleviate the tension that was displayed at the end of the game last night: Both coaches and players should be treated to a maple bacon doughnut from the Portland staple VooDoo Doughnut.
This perfectly delicious treat is a winner in any country.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 